I have a south-facing shaded border in my garden, where practically nothing grows, apart from weeds and my daffodils!

Last year I planted a hydrangea there. Within a short space of time it started to look sick, so I moved it to another border, where it is flourishing. I've also planted a japonica there, which I will have to move because that is looking decidedly sick.

I have a rosemary shrub there which will have to come out because it is dying. My lavender, which I planted there last year has died.

I have ordered a soil testing kit to see what type of soil I have. But what on earth is going on with the soil? I've never known anythiing like it! Can anybody help? It is the only border which has problems.

I should point out that a couple of years ago, before I moved in to my flat, there was ivy growing in that soil. Could that be to blame? Or is there something else in that particular patch of soil which is causing the problem?